HOW TO JOIN a Swimming Club

Updated: January 2026 Written by Spencer Turner - Head of Swimming, Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club

I’m often asked the same questions:

Parents poolside with children in lessons curious about “what comes next”

Public lane swimmers looking for something more structured than just lengths, often asking “am I fast enough to join?”

Numerous enquiries landing in our admin inbox, including the classic one: “Do you do lessons?” So I created this guide as a single, clear reference. It brings together everything about club swimming, from the first steps at age 7, right through to Masters swimmers in their 70s, 80s and even 90s.

Swimming clubs are the heartbeat of Britain’s aquatic community, bringing together kids, teens, and adults in pathways that blend fitness, technique, competition and fun. Whether you're just swimming for health, eyeing competition, or considering Masters swimming, this guide walks you through it all.

What Is a Swimming Club All About?

• A swimming club is not just training, it’s:

• A structured pathway to build technique, fitness, and racing skills

• A place where expert coaches guide swimmers of all levels

• A supportive community cheering each other on

• A bridge to everything swimming offers — from local galas to national meets, or simply the joy of a purposeful swim for wellbeing

Think of it as a team where the pool is your field of play.

What Is Competitive Swimming?

Competitive swimming is about testing yourself — against the clock, others, or your own limits. At the club level, you’ll:

• Master all four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly)

• Learn racing essentials — starts, turns and fast finishes

• Train smarter, not just harder — building strength, speed and stamina

Competitions range from friendly club galas to County, Regional, and National Championships. For many, the thrill of racing becomes the highlight of their journey.

What About Swimming for Fitness?

Not everyone wants to race — and that’s totally fine! Clubs also offer swim-for-fitness programs with:

• Structured, purposeful sessions better than solo laps at the leisure centre

• Coaching to refine technique and make swimming feel effortless

• A regular health-boosting routine with social connection

You can join a club for fitness, improved technique, and real enjoyment — competition is entirely optional.

Do I Have to Be Fast to Join a Club?

Not at all! Clubs welcome all speeds. What matters most is:

• Swimming safely and confidently

• A willingness to learn and engage

Most clubs just ask you to be able to swim multiple lengths and be open to feedback. Speed comes later, commitment and attitude come first.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim Already?

Yes — you’ll need a foundation level of ability, since clubs focus on training, not lessons. Typically, entry at around Learn-to-Swim Stages 6–7 (or equivalent) is best for kids. Adults should be able to swim lengths unaided to get started.

If you're not quite there yet, swim schools and local pools can get you ready to join club life, just ask your local swimming lesson providers for guidance!

How Do I Join a Swimming Club?

1. Find a club near you — use the Swim England Club Finder or search online for local affiliates.

2. Book a trial session — a coach will assess your swimming, chat about goals and recommend the right squad. Trials are all about fit, not audition.

3. Get placed in the right squad — whether that’s development, fitness, competitive, or Masters, you’ll be where you belong.

4. Register properly — clubs will help with Swim England membership, insurance and meet eligibility.

5. Dive in — meet teammates, start training and grow in the water and with the club.
   

Masters Swimming – Adults Welcome!

At 18+, Masters swimming is a fantastic way to return to the pool or stay active in a club setting. This isn’t just for ex-elite athletes. Masters is for:

• Adults seeking fitness with structure

• Members returning after a long break

• Swimmers chasing their pace again, from social to competitive levels

Masters is social, flexible and open, how far you go is entirely up to you.

Swimming for Lifelong Health & Wellbeing

Joining a swimming club offers more than fitness, it offers lifelong value:

• Health & wellbeing — swimming builds strength, cardiovascular health and mental clarity

• Longevity — a low-impact sport that keeps you moving well into later years

• Routine — confidence, structure and discipline seep into daily life

• Connection — the pool becomes community, shared progress and celebration

• No age limits — swimming shows us you’re never too old to improve or set an example

Joining a swimming club is not just about sport, it’s about building a lifestyle of movement, connection and wellness that lasts a lifetime.

FAQs – Quick Answers

Q: How do I join a local club? A: Use Swim England’s Club Finder, contact them to arrange a trial and see where you fit best.

Q: Must I be fast? A: Nope — confidence and willingness to learn matter most.

Q: Can I join just for fun and fitness? A: Absolutely — plenty of clubs support swimmers who prefer the wellness route.

Q: What if I’m an adult? A: Always welcome! Masters is all about flexibility, fitness and community.

Q: Do you do lessons? A: No — swimming clubs are focused on training and development, not learn-to-swim. But we’ll always point you toward lesson providers who can help get you ready.

Final Word Joining a swimming club is more than exercise, it’s about community, skill, and lifelong connection. Whether you're chasing PBs, fitness goals, or simply water-sourced joy, there's a lane waiting for you.

Dive in — you belong here.

Written by Spencer Turner - Head of Swimming, Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club